The standard is high when it comes to Fours Head with such incredible racing and competition just to get entries in to start the race, let alone finish it. The Women’s Club Coxless Four category for this year is set to have over 30 entries from a great range of clubs across the country and should make for some exciting racing!
Thames RC
Thames have fielded two crews in this category, and while they are not expected to be their strongest athletes, the depth of the Thames squad and the combination of athletes who have been rowing together for many means that they should still be strong challengers. Having won this category last year, they’ll be looking to retain their club dominance.
Marlow RC
With strong pedigree and having secured a top five placing last year, Marlow will be wanting to push the London crews all the way to the finish line. They are fielding a hugely experienced crew, that includes 2012 Paralympic champion Naomi Riches, who is leading great efforts at Marlow to improve the accessibility of rowing at the club. She’ll be looking to take her winning experience onto the Tideway.
London RC
Beaten into second by Thames last year, London RC will be looking to exact revenge on their local rivals this year. Their crew looks set to field some of the stronger members of their squad, including members of their Henley ‘A’ crew who qualified for the Wargrave Challenge Cup.
Nottingham RC
Nottingham RC are one of the crews travelling the furthest for this category. They’re looking to field a crew which includes sisters Annie and Cathy Beaumont, who unsurprisingly have a long history of rowing together, and were part of the crew that secured a top five finish in 2021.
Others
While these are the clubs expected to challenge, the nature of Fours Head is that the results could be heavily influenced by what boat category clubs choose to prioritise. Consequently, clubs such as Mortlake and Vesta could do well if they keep concentrate their top athletes in coxless boats. Lea RC have just one senior women’s boat entered across all categories, so will want to see if their top athletes can get in amongst the top performers.
Prediction
I think it will once again be between the London clubs for the top spot in this category, although it would be great to see some non-Tideway clubs being competitive. Despite their top athletes being in championship events, I think the depth of the women’s squad at Thames will shine through and they will take the day.
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